On April 21st, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated cruise operations at the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT). The launch event was accompanied by the unveiling of several other significant projects, reports The Free Press Journal.
Boosting Cruise Tourism
The newly inaugurated Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT), located at Ballard Pier, is set to significantly boost cruise tourism in India. This state-of-the-art facility spans an impressive 4,15,000 square feet and features two main floors covering 2,07,000 square feet, which house 72 check-in and immigration counters. The upper floors of the terminal are allocated for commercial purposes.
Designed with a substantial capacity, the MICT can accommodate up to 1 million passengers annually, or approximately 10,000 passengers per day. It is also equipped to handle five ships simultaneously, with a draft of up to 11 meters and lengths reaching 300 meters. Furthermore, the terminal provides parking space for over 300 vehicles.
Speaking at the inauguration event, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted Mumbai’s established reputation as a major global maritime hub. He stated that the commencement of cruise operations from the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal, offering modern amenities for an enhanced and safer passenger experience, further strengthens this position. He also noted that this new terminal complements existing top-class international cruise terminals in Visakhapatnam and Chennai.
With a total investment of Rs 556 crores, the MICT is anticipated to significantly improve the overall passenger experience and establish Mumbai as a leading cruise tourism destination.
Green Port Initiative
Continuing the focus on maritime development and sustainability, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also inaugurated the Shore to Ship Electric Supply system at the Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) as part of the Green Port Initiative. This system is designed to reduce emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and minimize noise pollution from vessels such as tug boats and Coast Guard ships, marking a significant advancement in the port’s environmental sustainability efforts.
Furthermore, Sonowal inaugurated the revitalized Sagar Upvan Garden in Colaba. This restoration project, supported by Tata Trusts, involved significant upgrades including repairs to the compound wall, the construction of staff facilities, and the installation of a 25,000 KLD Sewage Treatment Plant. The garden now boasts over 500 plant species, offers sea-facing benches and jogging paths, and serves as an ideal green space for botany students and nature enthusiasts. It also provides picturesque views of the Arabian Sea and the historic Sassoon Docks.
In a move to further bolster maritime infrastructure, Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) totaling more than Rs 5,700 crores were signed for various infrastructure projects at the upcoming Vadhavan Port. These agreements include:
- A Rs 4,200 crore terminal designed to handle containers, bulk, and liquid cargo.
- A Rs 1,000 crore dedicated terminal for bulk and liquid cargo.
- A Rs 500 crore liquid cargo jetty and tank farm with a substantial capacity of 300,000 cubic meters (CBM) for handling liquefied chemicals and related products.
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Source: The Free Press Journal
